Follow Your Dreams

I have completed various writing projects over the years. I actually wrote my first book when I was in junior high. I had an assignment in one of my reading classes to write and illustrate a children’s book. Once the entire class had finished writing books, we went across the field to an elementary school and read our books to the students there.

A few years ago I wrote a few poems and songs. Then I began my first book. It is a fictional piece, and I finished it some time ago. I then took a stab at semi-sci-fi by writing a short piece about a cloned cat that became deranged.

I have also entered a few contests. I entered some through writing magazines and some online contests. I have received some invaluable feedback through responses from some of the publishers running the contests. I have also written some card verses. A couple of years ago I tried to find a publisher for one of my books, but I had no clue what I was doing. So, last year I bought The Writer’s Market and read it. I gleaned a lot of helpful information by reading this excellent tool. Upon reading this book, I immediately started a blog. I also began looking online for writing jobs. I have written paid articles for Helium as well as some articles for other online sites. In addition, I began posting on Google +. In one of my online searches for jobs I came across a site where I could write a newspaper for my home town. So, I started writing a newspaper. My hometown was lacking for a decent newspaper. The paper that used to represent my town was bought by an out of town agency. This agency has gradually all but phased out news about my town. There is another newspaper in my town that I enjoy reading very much. However, the agency is limited on funds. Therefore, the paper is small and only printed once a week. With my online paper, I am able to publish news daily. It was slow getting started, but it is picking up momentum. I have been able to keep readers up to date on local events and other things happening in the community. I also have community members that inform me of things that are going on in town. I am having a blast writing my paper, and I have received great feedback from residents in my community. I rely heavily on social media to promote my paper. Each time I place a piece in my paper, I upload it to various sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Stumbledupon, Digg, etc. I have also entered a writing competition. Should I win the competition, the prize will allow me to expand the paper quicker and provide an even better paper for my community. I have begun another book, this time a realistic fantasy story. I am very excited about all of my writing ventures. I would like to expand the newspaper as quickly as possible. I am working on getting local students to write for the paper in order to expand their experience. I would like to update my computer system and camera in order to better serve my community.

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